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Go Games in our Primary Schools. 2006

During the summer recess, a panel of Primary School teachers assisted Cumann na mBunscol an Duin in the planning for the introduction of Go Games into our schools . In the past year,  the Down County Board have devoted much time to these new ideas for the coaching of Gaelic Games in our schools and it is essential that those at the forefront of change be affirmed in their role in this innovation. During the summer term, many schools availed of the grant aided package for the Go Games Programme and have begun their introduction into the schools. The philosophy of Go Games ensures that everyone participates in the games which are graded according to the age of the participants with an emphasis on coaching , enjoyment and sportsmanship. The children are divided into groupings according to age with:

First Touch  for Under 8s to develop the basic skills

Quick Touch for the Under 10s to develop the weaker foot/hand and to become more tactically aware

Smart Touch for the Under 12s to develop advanced technical skills and team play.

Photo of group of teachers who met with Cumann na mBunscol an Duin   In the photo are the following:

 Front ( L to R)    B Rice, P Watterson, Cathaoirleach, M Hanly, P Hardy

Back (L to R)   M Madine, K Prenter, M Dillon, K Burns

Missing from picture: C Bell.

At this meeting, much consideration was given to the existing practice in schools and how this initiative could be incorporated into the coaching of our national games. Cumann na mBunscol an Duin appreciate how this will afford all our pupils the opportunity to develop their skills and to enjoy participation in Gaelic Games without the need to win at all costs. The emphasis on coaching will require greater assistance from external coaches and In Service Training for teachers. This involvement in Go Games necessitates a reappraisal of the existing schools programme with the following proposals adopted for the coming year:

¨      September  -                      Official Launch of Go Games

¨      September – October         First Touch Football in  local Cluster Groupings

¨      AGM  -  Thursday 26^th October

¨      December  -                       Boys’ Indoor Football

¨      January -                            Girls’ Indoor Football

¨      January – February             Indoor Hurling

¨      February – March              Indoor Camogie

¨      March – May                     Smart Touch Football

Mr John Morgan , Football Development Officer for Down, attended this seminar and pledged his support for the endeavours of our schools in this procedure. Those present left him in no doubt about the need for the involvement of the County Board coaches in the cluster groupings and for their continued involvement in supporting the teachers in this initiative.